Mask Wearing Optional for Students with Hearing and Speech Impairments and Their Teachers; New Guidelines Established

The guidelines set forth by the Ministry of Health of Armenia, under the order of the Minister, have been revised regarding educational institutions implementing general education programs. This was reported by the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports.

According to the new guidelines, mask wearing is not mandatory for students with varying degrees of hearing and speech impairments and the teachers working with them during the educational process, nor for children who require special educational conditions.

Movement of students within the institution during breaks is organized under the supervision of the teacher or responsible personnel, following a schedule that prevents crowding in the hallways.

Individual sessions for pedagogical-psychological support as part of the individualized education plan for children in need of special educational conditions are organized under the following rules:

1. Individual sessions are organized in the school or at the regional pedagogical-psychological center, at the choice of the parent.
2. At the end of each session, the area is ventilated for at least 8-10 minutes.
3. Each session must conclude with disinfection of the workspace and surfaces using disinfectants based on at least 70-90% alcohol or chlorine, in accordance with the methodological guidelines approved by the Minister of Health per the annex of the order No. 13-N dated July 16, 2010.
4. All didactic materials and any objects that children may come into contact with must be disinfected after each session.
5. Disposable individual use or damp cleaning and disinfection supplies must be used during sessions.
6. Materials that cannot be disinfected daily are temporarily removed from regular use. These materials are collected in a separate container and must be disinfected before further use.
7. Hand sanitizers or disinfectant wipes with at least 70% alcohol content must be provided at the table.